Villa Kanouli enjoys a fabulous secluded position just 150 metres from the peaceful Kanouli Beach and is surrounded by hills, olive groves and lush greenery. The area is home to many rare birds due to the natural reserve of Lake Korission close by. Kanouli is a continuation of Chalikounas Beach, famous for its watersports, crystal clear water and fine sand.
Chalikounas Beach is one of the most sought after in Corfu. It is on the west coast yet still within easy reach of Corfu Town’s many wonderful attractions. Chalikounas boasts a sensational, golden sandy beach and the natural beauty of the protected Lake Korission. The beach enjoys a couple of beach tavernas, sun loungers and umbrellas and a kite club in the middle section of the beach where you can learn to kitesurf. There are other watersports including stand-up paddleboards and sailing. The closest village to Chalikounas as the crow flies is Agios Georgios South though you have to drive around the enchanting lake. It is a shorter drive to Messonghi. Also close by are Alonaki Beach, Prasoudi Beach, Issos Beach and Agios Gordios Beach. This coastline of golden sand is simply astounding. Kitesurfers enjoy thrilling days on the beaches, particularly Chalikounas Beach. Visitors also enjoy fishing and hiking around the lake. Agios Georgios South enjoys a long sandy beach to the south of Lake Korission and is surrounded by olive groves. It is very laid back and tranquil, perfect for couples, families and those that love nature. It boasts gorgeous sand dunes and easy walks to the saltwater lagoon, a must for wildlife lovers. There are an endless supply of day trips, boat trips and beachside tavernas. Messonghi is another fabulous village with a good selection of restaurants and bars and a few supermarkets and shops.
Lake Korission is a coastal lagoon separated from the sea by the fabulous Chalikounas Beach. The lagoon was created by the sand dunes that cut the lake’s basin off from the sea. The lake is over 5 km long from one end to the other and roughly 1.5 km at its widest. The lake is home to native and migrating birds including seagulls, owls, buzzards, swallows, cormorants and if you are lucky, flamingoes. Bird watchers love this protected wetland with more than one hundred and twenty different bird species. Cycling is very popular to as there are many routes and hidden paths where you can get close to nature and breathe in fresh air.
There are many attractions within very easy reach of the villa. Corfu Town, birthplace of the late Duke of Edinburgh, is one of the most beautiful, graceful and elegant towns in Greece. Corfu Town falls between two great Venetian coastal fortresses and within lies a very modern capital brimming with elegant mansions, magnificent palaces, beautiful squares and no fewer than thirty nine churches including the beautiful Church of Saint Spiridon. The Duke of Edinburgh was born at the fabulous Mon Repos Palace. Next to the palace gardens you will find the calm waters of the Mon Repos Beach. To the north, you will find Faliraki Beach. The town’s stunning architecture has many influences including Sicilian, Venetian, French and English. The entire Old Town is declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, a tightly-packed warren of cobbled winding lanes bursting with lively bars, boutiques and fine restaurants. You will also see timeless alleys with the day’s washing stretching from balcony to balcony, such a pretty scene, especially with colourful bougainvillea draped everywhere. There are also some interesting museums including the Byzantine Museum of Corfu which is housed in a 15th century church. Others are the Museum of Ceramic Art, the D Solomos Museum and the Asian Art Museum.
Close to Corfu Town and north of Gouvia is the magical Kontokali peninsula. The town is named after Christophoros Kontokalis, a sea captain and shipowner who was awarded he estate by the Venetians after his successful participation in the Battle of Lepant. It is definitely worth a visit, as is Gouvia. Gouvia is a charming, former fishing village which is now a modern holiday resort with plenty of amenities for all ages. It boasts a pretty pebble beach and a stunning marina. It also offers many atmospheric restaurants, bars and cafes along the main street of the village. Its 18th century shipyard is still remarkably intact. The views from Gouvia are really stunning with the sparkling Ionian Sea and Corfu Town on the horizon.
Guests staying at Villa Kanouli also enjoy visiting the Achilleion Palace, the residence of the Austrian Empress Elisabeth and the wonderful resort of Benitses. Benitses is wonderfully picturesque old fishing village that has expanded into a buzzy tourist resort. It boasts a bustling, colourful harbour, cobbled alleyways, Roman Baths, a delightful pebble and shingle beach, a vast array of charming restaurants and bars and a fascinating shell museum. The pretty marina is home to roughly two hundred boats and yachts and is a wonderful sight. The marina is lined with some cool and trendy bars as well as some traditional Greek tavernas.
